Escape from Hanoi...to the Perfume Pagoda we go!

Thursday allowed us another opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, as we had booked a day tour to visit the Perfume Pagoda. Up bright an early we were picked up at 8am by our eager guide Thang, we boarded our bus and made a sharp getaway from the city.

The Perfume Pagoda complex is 60kms south of Hanoi so after a 2 hour drive along Vietnam's bumpy motorway network we arrived at the sleepy town of My Duc. Thang bought our tickets and as there were no roads to the complex we had to board a small metal boat which was manned by a small old lady. Off we set rowing up stream through the stunning scenery of rice paddy fields and towering limestone karsts; the hour long journey was truly beautiful but also left us with a very numb bottom!

On arrival at the foot of the Huong Tich Mountains we got off the boat and walked the short distance up the hill to a tin shed restaurant we had a feast for lunch-rice, tofu, fish, spring rolls, cabbage, chicken (at least we hope it was!) and bananas for dessert.

With bellies full we were given the option of walking the steep 3km up the mountain or taking the scenic cable car...needless to say, we took the cablecar, as this seemed like the sensible option after eating and with the midday sun beating down. As the cable car only appeared to operate every half an hour we waited patiently at the station, and whilst doing so Ben made friends with a Vietnamese Monk who wanted to learn English.

When the cable car arrived we boarded it and enjoyed some stunning views as we ascended to the peak. On arrival at the top we walked the short distance down into the cave mouth which according to local legend looked like a Dragon's mouth with all it's stalactites and stalagmites. Inside was a real treat, several old Buddhist shrines where many Vietnamese people came on Pilgrimages to pray for health, happiness and children to name a few things.

To redeem ourselves for not walking up we decided to do the 3kms walk down, and were greeted with the sight of hundreds of small bamboo shops being erected along the edge of the steep path. Our guide explained that each one was owned by a family from the local village and they were being put up in time for Tet/New Year, which is on 14th February.

At the bottom of the mountain we visited the Perfume Pagoda itself, which was a beautiful structure - well preserved from the hands of time. We spent time exploring the complex and admiring the ancient buildings.

Back on the boat we headed back to the bus, but this time against the wind, so our old rower had her work cut out! On arrival at the bus we boarded it and headed back to Hanoi for our last night in Vietnam.